Centrifugal pump



Dec. 4, 1956 DE WITT E'. YATES 2,772,636 I.

CE TRIFUGAL PUMP Filed Oct. 17, 1955 United States Patent 2,772,636 CENTRIFUGAL PUMP De Witt E. Yates, Chippewa Falls, Wis., assignor to W. S. Darley & Co., Chicago, Ill., a corporation of Illinois Application October 17, 1955, SerialNo. 540,758

4 Claims. (Cl. 103-103) The present invention relates generally to centrifugal pumps. More particularly, the invention relates to that type of centrifugal pump which is adapted during use or operation thereof to pump a liquid and as its principal parts or components comprises: (1) a horizontally elon-' gated pedestal variety supporting structure one end of which is cup-shaped and open ended and the other end of which is tubular and houses a plurality of spaced apart bearings; (2) a volute casing which is connected to the cup-shaped end of the supporting structure, has a cylindrical inlet in the central portion of the front wall thereof, and embodies on the portion of its side wall that is of greatest or maximum radius a tangential outlet with means for connecting it to a discharge pipe; (3) a horizontally extending power driven shaft which extends centrally and longitudinally through the supporting structure, has its rear end journalled in the bearings in said other end of the supporting structure, and has its .front end extending through a stuifing box on the central portion of the rear wall of the casing and terminating in the central portion of the casing interior; and (4) a closed variety impeller which consists of spaced apart front and rear shrouds and arcuate substantially radially extending vanes between the shrouds, is connected for drive by the shaft through the medium of a hub on the central portion of the rear shroud, has on the central portion of its front shroud a forwardly extending sealing ring that fits within the cylindrical inlet in the front wall of the casing, and operates during drive thereof by the shaft to draw liquid into the casing via the inlet and then,

due to the action of the blades, to fling the liquid outwards under pressure so that it travels around the side Wall of the casing and is finally discharged through the tangential outlet into the discharge pipe. I

One object of the invention is to provide a centrifugal pump which is an improvement upon, and has certain inherent advantages over, previously designed pumps of the aforementioned type and is characterized by the fact that it embodies between the rear wall of the casing and the cup-shaped end of the supporting structure a simple and novel mounting arrangement whereby the casing is capable of being rotatively adjusted in order that its tangential outlet may be readily attached to the discharge plpe.

Another object of the invention is to provide a centrifugal pump in which the mounting arrangement between the volute casing and the cup-shaped end of the horizontally elongated supporting structure comprises an integral outwardly extending annular flange on the outer extremity of the cup-shaped end of the supporting structure and in addition a right angle or L-shaped flange which is formed integrally with the outer marginal portion of the rear wall of the casing and consists of a cylindrical rearwardly extending flange part that extends closely around, and is rotatable with respect to, the aforementioned annular flange on the outer extremity of the cup-shaped end of the supporting structure and an an- 2,772,636 Patented Dec. 4, 1956 nular outwardly extending flange part that is connected to the outer end of the cylindrical flange part and is connected to the rear end of the side wall of the casing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a centrifugal pump of the last mentioned type and character in which the mounting arrangement whereby the casing is capable of being rotatively adjusted with respect to the cup-shaped end of the supporting structure, has asso ciated with it simple and novel means for releasably locking or securing the casing in the various positions into which it is adjusted.

A further object of the invention is to provide a centrifugal pump of the aforementioned character in which the releasable means for locking the casing in the various positions into which it is rotatively adjusted consists of an annular series of setscrews which extend angularly through integral rearwardly extending lugs on the annular flange part of the right angle flange on the outer marginal portion of the rear wall of the casing and are arranged so that the inner ends thereof normally abut against a frusto conical surface on the outwardly extending annular flange on the extremity of the cup-shaped end of the supporting structure to the end that they serve not only to lock or secure the casing against rotation with respect to the supporting structure but also firmly clamp the rear wall of the casing against the outer end or extremity of the cup-shaped end of the supporting structure.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a centrifugal pump which is generally of new and improved structure, embodies a novel arrangement of parts, effectively and efiiciently fulfills its intended purpose, and is capable of being produced at a comparatively low cost.

. Other objects of the invention and the various advantages and characteristics of the present centrifugal pump will be apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description.

The invention consists in the several novel features which are hereinafter set forth and are more particularly defined by claims at the conclusion hereof.

In the drawing which accompanies and forms apart of this specification or disclosure and in which like numerals of reference denote corresponding parts throughout the several views:

Figure 1 is a rear elevation of a centrifugal pump embodying the invention; and

Figure 2 is a vertical longitudinal section taken on the line 2-2 of Figure 1 and illustrating in detail the construction and design of the mounting arrangement whereby the volute casing of the pump is capable of being rotatively adjusted with respect to the tubular horizontally elongated pedestal variety supporting structure.

The centrifugal pump which is shown in the drawing constitutes the preferred form or embodiment of the invention. It is designed to displace or pump a liquid, such as water, and comprises a horizontally elongated pedestal variety supporting structure 3, a volute casing 4, a horizontally extending shaft 5 and an impeller 6. In connection with operation the pump is adapted to draw the liquid through a supply pipe 7 and discharge it under pressure into and through a discharge pipe 8.

rear surface of which is designated in the drawing by the reference numeral 15 As best shown in Figure 2, the rear surface 15 of the flange 14 is frusto conical and tapers in the direction of the tubular part of the housing structure 3. Preferably, the frusto conical rear surface 15 of the rear flange 14 is at a 45 angle with respect to the axis of the c'up-shaped'part 9 The circular end wall 13' of the cup-shaped part extends vertically and embodies a hole 16 in its central portion. The tubular part 10 of the supporting structure 3 extends horizontally and is disposed rearwards of the cup-shaped part 9. The inner end of the tubular part 10 is formed integrally with the circular end wall 12' of the cup-shaped part 9 and surrounds and houses a ball bearing 17. The outer end of the tubular part 10 is closed by a ring-shaped plate 18' and surrounds and houses a ball bearing 19. The pedestal part 11 of'the'supporting structure 3 is connected'to, and depends frorn', the bottom portions of the cup-shaped part 9 and the tubular part It and embodies at its bottom portion a flat outwardly extending flange part 20 which is adapted to rest on a floor or other horizontal supporting surface at the location where the pump is installed and used.

The casing 4' is" preferably in the form of a composite casting and consists of a front wall 21, a rear Wall 22- and a continuous side wall 23. It is located directly in front ofthe cup-shaped part 9 of the supporting structure 3 and houses the impeller 6. The front wall 21 of the casing is provided on the central portion thereof with an integral forwardly extending sleeve-like part 24- and this defines'a cylindrical inlet 25 which leads from the casing exterior to the central portion of the casing interior. As shown in Figure 2, the discharge end of the supply pipe 7 fits within the outer end of the sleeve-like part 24 and is attached thereto by way of a screw thread connection 26. The rear wall 22 of the casing 4 is disposed in spaced relation with the front wall 21 and embodies on the central portion thereof a stufling box 27 which extends rearwards and is disposed in the interior of the cup-shaped part 9 of the supporting structure 3. The outer marginal portion ofthe rear wall 22 is provided with an integral right angle or L-shaped flange 28. The latter consists of a cylindrical rearwardly extending flange part 29 and an annular outwardly extending flange part 30. The cylindrical rearwardly extending flange part 29 of the flange 28 extends closely around, and isrotatable with respect to, the integral outwardly extending flange 14 on the outer extremity of the cylindrical side wall 12 of the cup-shaped part 9 of the supporting structure 3. The cylindrical rearwardly extending flange part 28 and the outwardly extending annular flange 14 coact to form a mounting arrangement whereby the casing 4 as a whole is capable of being rotatively adjusted with respect to the supporting structure 3. The annular outwardly extending flange part 30 of the right angle or L-shaped flange 28 is provided with an annular series of integral rearwardly extending lugs 31. The latter are shown as being. four in number (see Figure 1) although it is to be understood that they may be more or less in number depending upon the size of the pump. Associated with the lugs 31 are setscrews 32 which are so arranged that when tightened they serve not only to lock or secure the casing 4 in the various posi tionsinto which it is rotativcly adjusted but also firmly toclamp the rear wall 22 of the casing against the outer end of the cylindrical Wall of the cup-shaped part 9 of the supporting structure 3. The central portions of the setscrews 32 fit within angnlarly disposed internally threaded bores 33 in the lugs 31. The bores 33 extend at a 45 angle with respect to the axis of the pump casing and are so arranged that the setscrews 32 extend normal or at right angles to the frusto conical rear surf-ace 15 of the annular outwardly extending flange 14 on the outer extremity of the cup-shaped part 12. When the setscrews are tightened, the inner ends thereof are adapted to grip the adjacentportions of the surface 15. The outer ends of the setscrews 32project beyond the lugs 31 and embody addition a forwardly extending sealing ring 47.

in their extremities polygonal sockets 34 for receiving any suitable tool by which the setscrews may be turned into or out of their operative position wherein the inner ends thereof, as previously pointed out, abut firmly against the adjacent portions of the frusto-conical rear surface 15 of the flange 14. Lock nuts 35 are mounted on the outer ends of the setscrews 32 and are adapted when tightened to lock the setscrews'against turning movement relatively to the lugs. The inner surfaces of the lugs 31 are aligned or flush with the inner periphery of the cylindrical rearwardly' extending flange part 29 in order that when the setscrews 32 are fully loosened or removed, the lugs donot interfere with mounting or removal of the cylindrical flange part 29 with respect to the outwardly extending annular flange 14. The continuous side Wall 23 of the casing 4 is volute or spiral in form and extends between the outer margins of the front and rear walls 21 and 22. The front end portion of the side wall is preferably formed integrally with the outer marginal portion of the front'wall 21 and the rear end portion of the side wall fits within the annular space that is defined by the outer periphery of the cylindrical flange part 29 and the inner side face of the annular outwardly extending flange part 301 The rear wall 22' and the continuous side wall 23 are clamped together by way of horizontal bolts 36 which extend through holes in the flange part 30 and into screw threaded sockets in the rear end portion of the side wall. The portion of the side wall 23 that is of greatest or maximum radius is provided with an integral tangential outlet 37. The latter is provided with a coupling ring 38 which is connected by bolts 39 to the outer end of the outlet and embodies an internal screw thread for connection to an external screw thread 41 on the receivingend of the discharge pipe 8.

The horizontally extending shaft 5 extends centrally and longitudinally through the-cup-shaped part 9 and the tubular par-t'10- of the supporting structure 3. The central portion of the shaft-5 is journalled in the ball bearing 17 and 19 and the rear end of the shaft extends through the ring-shaped plate 18an'd is adapted to be connected to be driven by aprime mover such, for example, as an electric motor oran internal combustion engine (not shown). The front end of the shaft 5 extends through the stuffing box 27 on the central portion of the casing rear wall 22 and-is provided at it's extremity with a reduced stem 42 which is centrally disposed in the interior of the casing 4.

The impeller 6 of the pump is of the closed variety and consists of a-circular front shroud 43, a circular rear shroud 44-and anannular series of arcuate substantially radially vanes 45 between the two shrouds. It is preferably in the form of a one-piece casting and is located between and in spaced relation with the front and rear walls of the pump casing 4. The central portion of the front shroud 43 embodies a circular opening 46 and in The latter is connected to the portion of the front shroud that defines the circular opening 46, fits within the inner end of the sleeve-like'part 24 on the central portion of the casing front wall 21, and establishes communication between the cylindrical inlet 25 and the central portion of theinterior of the impeller. The central portion of the rear shroud 44 of the impeller is provided with a hub 48 which fits around, and is keyed to, the reduced stem 42 on the front extremity of the horizontally extending shaft 5-. When the impeller 6 is driven in response to drive of the shaft 5 liquid is drawn or sucked into the central portion of the impeller interior by way of the inlet 25 and the circular opening 46 in the central portion of the shroud 43 and is then flung outwards under pressure against the continuous side wall 23 of the casing. Because of the shape or volute character of the side wall 23 the liquid travels around the side wall and then is discharged via the tangential outlet 37 into the discharge pipe 8.

In connection with installation of the pump, the horizontally elongated pedestal variety supporting structure 3 is first positioned where desired. Thereafter, the setscrews 32 are loosened and the pump casing 4 is then rotated relatively to the supporting structure until the tangential outlet 37 is properly positioned with respect to the receiving end of the discharge pipe 8. After such operations, the receiving end of the discharge pipe is connected to the outer end of the outlet 37 by way of the coupling ring 38. After proper connection of the outlet and the discharge pipe, the setscrews 32 are tightened to their fullest extent so that they lock or fixedly secure the casing 4 against rotation relatively to the cup-shaped part 12 of the supporting structure. Directly following tightening of the setscrews to their fullest extent for casing looking purposes the lock nuts 35 are tightened against the lugs 31 in order to prevent loosening of the setscrews with respect to the lugs. At the conclusion of the last mentioned operation, the discharge end of the supply pipe 7 is connected to the outer end of the sleeve-like part 10 by way of the screw thread connection 36. If it is desired to remove the casing 4 and the impeller 6 from the supporting structure 3, the supply and discharge pipes are disconnected respectively from the sleeve-like part 24 and the tangential outlet 37 and then the hub on the central portion of the rear shroud 44 of the impeller is released from the reduced stem 42 on the front extremity of the power driven shaft 5. Thereafter, the setscrews 32 are loosened until their inner ends are disposed within the screw threaded bores 33 in the lugs 31. After proper loosening of the setscrews, the casing is released and it together with the impeller may be removed from the supporting structure by shifting it forwards so as to disengage the cylindrical flange part 29 of the right angle or L-shaped flange 28 from the outwardly extending annular flange 14 on the outer extremity of the cylindrical side wall 12 of the cup-shaped part 9 of the supporting structure.

The herein described centrifugal pump due to the particular mounting arrangement whereby the casing is rotatively adjustable is capable of being readily installed. It involves a novel arrangement of parts, effectively and efliciently fulfills its intended purpose and is capable of being produced at a low cost. Because the particular mounting arrangement for the casing has the lug supported setscrews associated with it, the casing after being rotatively adjusted to the proper position with respect to the discharge pipe may be quickly and readily locked in place. 7

The invention is not to be understood as restricted to the details set forth since these may be modified within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A centrifugal pump adapted to displace a liquid and comprising a horizontally elongated tubular supporting structure provided at one end thereof with an outwardly extending annular flange, a volute casing positioned adjacent to said one end of the supporting structure, consisting of a front wall, a rear wall and a continuous spiral side wall between the outer margins of the front and rear walls, having in the central portion of the front wall thereof an inlet with means for connecting it to a source of the liquid to be pumped, embodying on the portion of its side wall that is of maximum radius a substantially tangential outlet with means for connecting it to a discharge pipe, having a hole in the central portion of its rear wall, and provided on the outer margin of said rear wall with a right angle flange in the form of a cylindrical rearwardly extending flange part that extends snugly around, and is rotatable with respect to, the outwardly extending flange on said one end of the supporting structure and forms with the last mentioned flange a mounting arrangement whereby the casing may be rotatively adjusted with respect to the supporting structure in order properly to position the outlet with respect to the discharge pipe and an annular flange part that is connected to, and extends outwards from, the rear end portion of said cylindrical flange part and is provided with a plurality of spaced apart rearwardly extending lugs with open ended screw threaded holes in the imaginary center lines of which are normal to and intersect the rear side surface of said outwardly extending flange on the one end of the supporting structure, setscrews extending through, and in screw threaded relation with, the holes in the lugs and adapted when tightened to have the inner ends thereof so grip said rear side surface of the outwardly extending flange on the one end of the supporting structure that they serve not only to lock the casing in its various adjusted positions with respect to said supporting structure but also firmly to clamp the rear wall of the casing against said one end of the supporting structure, a horizontal drive shaft extending centrally and longitudinally through the supporting structure and arranged so that the front end thereof extends through said hole in the central portion of the rear wall of the casing and into the casing interior, and an impeller disposed within the casing interior and mounted on, and connected for drive by, said front end of the drive shaft.

2. A centrifugal pump according to claim 1 and in which the rear side surface of the outwardly extending flange on the one end of the supporting structure is frusto conical and tapers rearwardly.

3. A centrifugal pump according to claim 1 and wherein the rear side surface of the outwardly extending flange on the one end of the supporting structure is frusto conical and tapers rearwards and the surfaces of the rearwardly extending lugs that face towards said one end of the supporting structure are substantially flush with the inner periphery of the cylindrical flange part of the right angle flange on the outer margin of the rear wall of the volute casing.

4. A centrifugal pump according to claim 1 and in which the rear side surface of the outwardly extending References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,118,739 Carter Nov. 24, 1914 1,891,267 Milkowski Dec. 20, 1932 2,318,254 Nagle May 4, 1943 2,614,502 Wilfley et al. Oct. 21, 1952 2,695,131 Price Nov. 23, 1954 

